When to plant Mint in Eldon, MO
Eldon's short 204-day growing season means one Mint planting between April 13 and April 27. No fall crop in Zone 6b.
When to Plant Mint in Eldon, MO
Miller County, Missouri gardeners: here's your August plan
Your garden in Miller County, Missouri is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this August.
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Collect mint at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.
Eldon, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 1,086 feet, Miller County receives approximately 30.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season.
Eldon Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Mint Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Eldon
How your county's soil matches Mint's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Mint's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Miller County is excellent for Mint — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mint.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Mint.
How to Plant Mint
Succession Planting Mint
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
Mint Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Mint
Mint needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mint Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Miller County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mint Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Mint Planting Timeline — Eldon, MO
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Miller County
Growing Tips for Mint in Eldon
Direct sow Mint outdoors after April 06 in Miller County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Always grow mint in containers or with underground barriers to control spreading. Harvest regularly to keep plants compact. Cut plants back in late summer for a fresh fall flush.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mint in Other Locations
When should I plant Mint in Eldon, MO?
In Eldon, MO, plant Mint after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Eldon, MO for Mint?
Eldon sits in USDA Zone 6b. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mint grow in Eldon's climate?
Yes — Mint grows well in Eldon's temperate climate. Eldon averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 27.
Your Miller County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Miller County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.